Toshiba considering spinning off flash memory business

January 19, 2017

TOKYO– Toshiba Corp. indicated Wednesday that it is considering spinning off its top-earning flash memory business in order to make up for the billions of U.S. dollars the group is facing in writeoffs in its struggling nuclear business. The Tokyo-based

READ MORE

2 more nuclear reactors in Japan pass checks, safety, public concern still major issues 

January 19, 2017

TOKYO -Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) approved an assessment on Wednesday to restart two reactors in Saga Prefecture, western Japan, although public concern remains regarding the safety of the plant if operator Kyushu Electric reboots the reactors. The NRA has

READ MORE

US F-35 fighter jets arrive in Japan

January 18, 2017

YAMAGUCHI– A group of F-35 fighter jets arrived at a US Marine base in western Japan on Wednesday, marking the first deployment of the stealth aircraft outside the United States and reflecting the country’s policy of focusing on Asia. The

READ MORE

IMF raises 2017 growth forecasts for Japan to 0.8%, U.S. to 2.3%

January 18, 2017

WASHINGTON– The International Monetary Fund said Monday that Japan’s economy is expected to grow 0.8 percent this year, up 0.2 percentage point from its estimate in October, mostly on account of a stronger-than-expected performance during the latter part of last

READ MORE

Philippines, Japan sign document on drug rehabilitation program

January 18, 2017

The government of the Philippines and Japan recently signed a program document to ensure cooperation on the treatment and rehabilitation of the country’s illegal drug users, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said Wednesday. The signatories were officials of member-agencies of the

READ MORE

FEATURE: American aspires to fulfill childhood dream as geisha in Japan

January 17, 2017

TOKYO– In modern times joining the fascinating yet cloistered world of a geisha — even for young Japanese girls — is rare indeed. But if you’re a foreigner living in Japan with such aspirations becoming one of the traditional teahouse entertainers,

READ MORE

Australian family found alive at Japan ski resort

January 17, 2017

NAGANO– An Australian family of four who went missing at a popular ski resort in Nagano, central Japan, were found alive Tuesday morning, Australian media said, quoting a local tour operator. A woman in her 50s and her three sons likely

READ MORE

Kobe area marks 22-year anniversary of deadly quake

January 17, 2017

KOBE– The western Japan city of Kobe and surrounding areas marked the 22nd anniversary Tuesday of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that killed more than 6,400 people. Many people observed a moment of silence at 5:46 a.m., the time when the temblor

READ MORE